Source: Earned the Military Medal for “Bravery in the Field” during the actions at the Somme September 1916.
Find-A-Grave
Family Search: When Private William Francis Tope was born on 21 September 1892, in Plymouth, Devon, England, United Kingdom, his father, William Thomas Tope, was 27 and his mother, Mary Ann Davis, was 25. He married Rhoda Billing in 1918, in Plympton, Devon, England, United Kingdom. They were the parents of at least 2 sons and 1 daughter. He lived in Plymstock, Devon, England, United Kingdom for about 10 years. He registered for military service in 1914. In 1923, his occupation is listed as ontario steel products ltd. in Chatham, Kent, Ontario, Canada. He died on 15 October 1966, in Chatham, Kent, Ontario, Canada, at the age of 74, and was buried in Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham, Chatham-Kent, Ontario, Canada.
According to a London Advertiser article, during an interview with Sergeant M.H. Lee, relating to those who were in his sniping platoon, he was a sniper.
TOPE—William Francis, 74, of 57 Selkirk St., Chatham, died Saturday at his home. He was born at Plymouth, Eng., and lived in Chatham for the last 53 years. Mr. Tope was employed by Ontario Steel Products Ltd. for 36 years, and retired in 1959. During the First World War he served in Europe with the 18th Battalion. He was a member of Victoria Ave. United Church, a life member of Branch 28, Royal Canadian Legion, the Chatham Lawn Bowling Club, and a past president of the Chatham and District Soccer League. Surviving are his wife, the former Rhoda Billing; a daughter, Mrs. Gordon (Elsie) Aitken, of Chatham Township; sons, Harry and Douglas, both of Chatham; and four sisters and a brother in England. Funeral services at the Stephen Funeral Home today at 3:30 p.m., with Rev. James Somerville, of Victoria Ave. United Church, officiating. Burial Maple Leaf Cemetery.
The Windsor Star
Mon, Oct 17, 1966 ·Page 3
History of the 18th Battalion CEF, "The Fighting Eighteenth" 